The word futon essentially means a cushion placed on foldable frames or mats. Since the frames and mattresses are foldable, they are easy to move and store, particularly for smaller living spaces. The cushions are also foldable and light, easy to wash, clean or dry in the sun, preventing the formation of dust mites. Futons come in attractive colors and designs. You can further enhance their appearance with covers, cushions, and bedsheets.

Futon frame and pad types
Metal and wood are the most commonly used materials for these frames. The different types of frames include:

Bi-fold frame
As the name indicates, the frame can be used as a sofa and straightened as a bed.

Tri-fold frame
This can be folded three times across the width. You can also fold the head and the foot side separately as and when you require.

Loveseat frame
The loveseat frame is smaller than a regular frame and resembles a sofa bed.

Futon pad
It is a fluffy foldable mattress that rests well on the frame. They are thinner and softer than regular mattresses. These pads are available with foam, latex, microfibers, cotton, or hybrid material.

Where to find futon dealers and suppliers
You can buy futons from furniture or mattress shops, large supermarkets, or e-commerce websites. If you are looking for futon dealers or suppliers near you, ask for references from friends and family or log in to websites of leading furniture and mattress dealers. You can get the contact information of dealers near you from these websites. Talk to them about your requirement, and you can also visit them to check the quality of the product before buying one.

Detailed shopping guide for futons
Futons are versatile, cozy, comfortable, affordable and ideal for daily use. They are common in offices when employees need a break. Bi-fold futons are also popular for guest houses, campers, anglers, and college students. Due to an extensive number of brands in the market, one could get confused as to which product if right for them. Here is a detailed shopping guide for futons. Keep these factors in mind before opting for one, and the buying process will become easy.

Purpose
The purpose should be one of the underlying factors for choosing the right item. It will help if you know beforehand whether you want to use it as an additional bed for family and guests or if you want one as your regular bed in a smaller room. Once you are clear about why you want to buy a futon, choosing the right one becomes simpler. If you plan to use it regularly, you can choose from more expensive or larger products that can be turned into sofa beds, which are comfortable for a full night’s sleep. If you want one for emergency use for guests, you can buy a bi-fold futon, which is less expensive and functional.

Know the exact space available
Measure the exact space available in your room. Making an approximate or a visual guess can be misleading. If the measurement is off by a few inches, you may not be able to fit the futon where you wanted.

Choose the right material
Some futons with wooden frames may have an armrest and be heavier. This can make them difficult to move. Metal frame futons are lighter and easily movable. Choose frames with rounded edges that can prevent injuries for children or elders in the family.

Size
Futons are available in twin, twin XL, queen and king sizes, similar to regular mattresses and beds. Two adults can use a full or a queen-sized comfortably. Longer pads are also available if you choose to buy trifold futon frames with additional leg space.

Read the labels and descriptions
Go through the label if you are buying a futon in-store. Or make sure to thoroughly read the product description if you are buying one online. You will find details about the dimensions, assembly instructions, materials, and maximum weight capacity.

Try it before buying
Most companies make futons in standard sizes. You can visit a store and lie down on them to see if the dimensions and sizes suit you. Even if you buy it online, trying it out will give you a clearer picture of the right one.

Know about warranty and replacement guarantee
Understand the warranty coverage and replacement guarantee offered by the brand. Futon mattresses generally come with a warranty of around five to ten years. Make sure to research the terms and costs of multiple brands to get the best value for money.